Power Of Words In Othello's 'A Forked Tongue'

Mohammad Solaiman
English 220
Instructor Biggie
November 26, 2012 A Forked Tongue
It is claimed that the pen is mightier than the sword; however, the tongue wields a power that bests them both. The power of words, which like a snake, is able to slither through one’s ears and deeply lodge its fangs into the heart, slowly sending its venom seeping through the veins. The ability of the tongue –which gives shape and life to words—has the power to elate and bring joy, as well as confuse and destroy, an individual or even aspects of society. The Mephistopheles of this Shakespearean tragedy, Iago, uses the power of his words to slyly cast a web to entangle and quench his thirst for vengeance against those he holds responsible for his misery.
Therefore, no participant of society is without a status, [no matter how meager it may be]” (Sharma). Sharma goes on to state that upon encountering a stranger, we are unsure of how to perceive them until given an account of their status in society. Her argument stands on the basis that in the early scenes, Othello is depicted as a savage with inhuman, grotesque qualities, mainly because we had no knowledge of his rank. Only after hearing him speak, we can confirm that he in fact is not the villain and instead we should question the honesty of ‘honest Iago’. In a society, it is possible to distinguish how social status is obtained: ascribed, is when an individual obtains a rank without effort; achieved, is “based on and defined by what [the individual] does or acquire through their personal effort.” (Sharma). Sharma also claims that an “[individual’s] occupation, is related to their key status [in society]” (Sharma). If we juxtapose the descriptions of Othello the Moor, given to us by sly Iago versus when he actually first appears, we will notice a character completely different from what we perceived to be. Instead of a treacherous, evil, savage creature, we can see that Othello is quite cultured, civilized and intelligent. Like Iago, Othello too acknowledges the power words can hold and the value of reputation and honour. Othello trusts that men, out of honour are naturally honest and due to their reputation, which if they hope to preserve, they will act ‘civil’ and be in ‘control of themselves’. This naive perception allows him to be easily influenced by the swoon of Iago’s venom later on. To Othello, reputation and status, must be preserved because a man is only as good as his word. Therefore, when approached by his angry